JP5156768B2 - Operating device and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an operation device provided in an image forming apparatus, for example, and more particularly to control when a job interruption is requested from the outside.

  While a job (for example, a copy job) is being executed in the image forming apparatus, an interrupt of a print job may be requested from an external personal computer. In this case, an interrupt job window indicating that a print job interrupt is requested is displayed on the display unit of the image forming apparatus, and priority is given to either the job being executed on the image forming apparatus or the interrupted print job. There has been proposed a technique for allowing a user to select whether to execute (see Patent Document 1). In this technique, when interruption of a plurality of print jobs is requested, an interrupt job window is displayed in a superimposed manner on the display unit so that the user can select desired interruption job execution.

JP 2006-317871 A

  An image forming apparatus may be applied with an operation instruction receiving technique based on a workflow configured by combining a plurality of works. For example, a workflow “create magazine” is prepared for a user who wants to create a magazine using the image forming apparatus. The workflow for “creating a magazine” is a combination of works necessary for creating a magazine (double-sided copying, stapling, cover addition, etc.). The user selects a “create magazine” workflow on the operation screen of the operation display unit provided in the image forming apparatus, and inputs a setting item according to an instruction displayed on the operation screen as necessary. A magazine can be created by operating the start key to cause the image forming apparatus to execute a workflow.

  In workflows, operation input to setting items is generally performed in a wizard format, so it takes time to input operations, and the possibility of a job interrupt being requested from outside during operation input is the operation of jobs other than workflow Higher than input. Therefore, if an interrupt job window is displayed every time a job interrupt is requested from the outside, if the interrupt job window is frequently displayed, smooth operation input is hindered. On the other hand, if an external job interruption request is not accepted during the workflow operation input, the job from the external device cannot be executed during the workflow operation input. This is a problem.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an operation device and an image forming apparatus capable of efficiently processing a job interruption from the outside when the image forming apparatus is requested during operation input of a workflow.

  An image forming apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention that achieves the above object includes a workflow storage unit in which a workflow configured by combining a plurality of workpieces is stored in advance, a display unit, and each workpiece constituting the workflow. Using the operation screen storage unit that stores the data of each operation screen in advance and the data of a plurality of operation screens stored in the operation screen storage unit. A display control unit that controls the operation unit to display a plurality of operation screens in order on the display unit in a wizard format, an operation input from a user when the operation screen of the workflow is displayed, and the image formation A reference value storage unit that stores in advance data of a reference value that prioritizes execution of a job interrupted from outside the apparatus A job accepting unit that accepts a job interrupted from outside in the image forming apparatus; and a job accepting unit that accepts a job interrupted from outside in the image forming apparatus during operation input of the workflow. A remaining value determining unit that determines a remaining value based on the number of remaining operation screens in which no operation input to a setting item is performed among the plurality of operating screens, and a remaining value determined by the remaining value determining unit A value is compared with a reference value stored in the reference value storage unit, and if the remaining value is smaller than the reference value, it is determined that priority is given to the operation input of the workflow, and if the remaining value is larger than the reference value. A comparison / determination unit that determines to prioritize execution of a job interrupted from the outside in the image forming apparatus.

  According to this configuration, when a job is interrupted from the outside during the operation input of the workflow, the remaining operation screens in which the operation input to the setting item is not input among the plurality of operation screens forming the workflow. The remaining value is determined based on the number. If the remaining value is smaller than the reference value, the workflow operation input is given priority, assuming that the workflow operation input ends relatively quickly. On the other hand, if the remaining value is larger than the reference value, it is assumed that the operation input of the workflow ends relatively late, and priority is given to the execution of the job interrupted from the outside. In this way, by changing the priority of workflow operation input and execution of a job interrupted from the outside according to the remaining value, when a job interrupt is requested from outside during workflow operation input, they are changed. It can be processed efficiently. The remaining value is the remaining operation amount that is assumed to be necessary for the user to finish the operation input of the workflow.

  In the above configuration, when a job interrupted from the outside during the operation input of the workflow is received by the job reception unit, the operation input is not performed among the plurality of operation screens forming the workflow. A list screen generating unit that generates data for a list screen indicating a list of setting items input to the remaining operation screens is further provided, and the comparison determination unit executes a job interrupted from the outside by the image forming apparatus The display control unit uses the list screen data generated by the list screen generation unit to display a list screen of setting items input on the remaining operation screens on the display unit. It can be controlled to display.

  According to this configuration, when it is determined to prioritize the execution of a job interrupted from the outside, it is possible to allow the user to recognize setting items that are input on the remaining operation screens on which the workflow operation input is not performed.

  In the above configuration, the comparison determination unit is provided on the remaining operation screen included in the list screen displayed on the display unit when the image forming apparatus determines to prioritize execution of a job interrupted from the outside. For the set items, a default processing unit that performs processing for setting to default values can be further provided.

  According to this configuration, when it is determined to prioritize execution of a job interrupted from the outside, the workflow can be executed even if the workflow operation input by the user is halfway and has not yet been completed. Can do.

  In the configuration described above, the default processing unit accepts an instruction to execute a workflow in which the operation input of the workflow has been halfway by the user in a state in which the setting items provided on the remaining operation screen are processed as defaults. 1 further includes an instruction receiving unit, and the comparison determination unit is configured to perform an operation that has been set by an operation input of the workflow when an instruction to execute the workflow by the user is received by the first instruction receiving unit. Can be determined to have priority over execution of a job interrupted from the outside in the image forming apparatus.

  According to this configuration, if the user determines that the setting items provided on the remaining operation screens are satisfactory even by default, the time required for operation input to the remaining operation screens by instructing execution of the workflow It is possible to give priority to an operation that has been set by workflow operation input. As a result, it is possible to give priority to the execution of the workflow without causing the interrupted job to stay.

  The above configuration further includes a second instruction receiving unit that receives an instruction to change the default processed by the default processing unit, and the second instruction receiving unit receives an instruction to change by the user. In this case, the display control unit can control the display unit to display an operation screen used for an operation input by the user to the default-set setting item.

  According to this configuration, when priority is given to the execution of a job interrupted from the outside, it is possible to eliminate the need to restart the operation input of the workflow from the beginning.

  An image forming apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention that achieves the above object includes an operating device and an image forming unit that performs an image forming operation on a sheet based on a setting value of a setting item set by the operating device. .

  According to this structure, the effect by the operating device mentioned above is acquired.

  According to the present invention, when a job interruption is requested from the outside to the image forming apparatus during an operation input of a workflow, it can be efficiently processed.

1 is a diagram illustrating an outline of an internal structure of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an enlarged plan view of an operation display unit provided in the image forming apparatus. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of the image forming apparatus. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating transition of an operation screen displayed on a display unit in an operation necessary for executing a workflow using the image forming apparatus. 10 is a flowchart for describing a priority determination process between an operation input of a workflow and execution of a job interrupted from the outside in the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of display processing of an operation screen when a job is interrupted from the outside during an operation input of a workflow. FIG. It is a figure which shows the other example of the said display process. It is a figure which shows the list screen displayed on a display part. It is a figure which shows the process sequence which displays the list screen shown in FIG.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of the internal structure of an image forming apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The image forming apparatus 1 can be applied to, for example, a digital multifunction machine having functions of a copy, a printer, a scanner, and a facsimile. The image forming apparatus 1 includes an apparatus main body 100, a document reading unit 200 disposed on the apparatus main body 100, a document feeding unit 300 disposed on the document reading unit 200, and an operation disposed on the upper front surface of the apparatus main body 100. A display unit 400 and a sheet post-processing unit 500 disposed on the sheet carry-out side, for example, the left side of the apparatus body 100 are provided.

  The document feeding unit 300 includes a document placement unit 301, a paper feed roller 303, a document transport unit 305, and a document discharge unit 307. A paper feed roller 303 feeds the originals set on the original placement unit 301 one by one. The document transport unit 305 transports the fed document to the document reading unit 200. The document is read by the document reading unit 200 and discharged to the document discharge unit 307. As described above, the document feeding unit 300 functions as an automatic document feeding device, and can continuously send a plurality of documents placed on the document placing unit 301 to the document reading unit 200.

  The document reading unit 200 includes a carriage 201 equipped with a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) sensor and an exposure lamp, a document table 203 made of a transparent member such as glass, and a document reading slit 205. When reading a document placed on the document table 203, the document is read by the CCD sensor while moving the carriage 201 in the longitudinal direction of the document table 203. On the other hand, when reading a document fed from the document feeding unit 300, the carriage 201 is moved to a position facing the document reading slit 205, and the document fed from the document feeding unit 300 is scanned. Reading is performed by the CCD sensor through the reading slit 205. The CCD sensor outputs the read original as image data.

  The apparatus main body 100 includes a sheet storage unit 101, an image forming unit 103, and a fixing unit 105. The sheet storage unit 101 is disposed at the lowermost part of the apparatus main body 100 and includes a sheet tray 107 that can store a bundle of sheets. In the stack of sheets stored in the sheet tray 107, the uppermost sheet is fed out toward the sheet conveying unit 111 by driving the pickup roller 109. The sheet is conveyed to the image forming unit 103 through the sheet conveying unit 111.

  The image forming unit 103 forms a toner image on the conveyed paper. The image forming unit 103 includes a photosensitive drum 113, an exposure unit 115, a developing unit 117, and a transfer unit 119. The exposure unit 115 generates light corresponding to image data (image data output from the document reading unit 200, image data transmitted from a personal computer, image data received by facsimile, etc.), and is uniformly charged photosensitive drum. The peripheral surface 113 is irradiated. As a result, an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image data is formed on the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 113. In this state, a toner image corresponding to image data is formed on the peripheral surface by supplying toner from the developing unit 117 to the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 113. This toner image is transferred by the transfer unit 119 to the sheet conveyed from the sheet storage unit 101 described above.

  The sheet on which the toner image is transferred is sent to the fixing unit 105. In the fixing unit 105, heat and pressure are applied to the toner image and the paper to fix the toner image on the paper. Thereby, the printing of the image on the paper is completed. When post-processing is performed on the printed paper, the printed paper is sent from the paper discharge port 121 of the apparatus main body 100 to the paper post-processing unit 500. On the other hand, when no post-processing is performed, the printed paper is discharged to the paper discharge tray 123.

  The paper post-processing unit 500 performs post-processing such as sorting, stapling, punching, and saddle stitching on the printed paper. The paper post-processing unit 500 includes a paper carry-in port 501, a paper transport unit 503, a paper carry-out port 505, a stack tray 507, and the like. The paper transport unit 503 sequentially transports the printed paper carried into the paper carry-in port 501 from the paper discharge port 121 and carries out the post-processed printed paper from the paper carry-out port 505 to the stack tray 507. The stack tray 507 has a configuration capable of moving up and down in the direction of the arrow in accordance with the number of sheets stacked from the paper exit 505.

  The operation display unit 400 includes an operation key unit 401 and a display unit 403. The operation display unit 400 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is an enlarged plan view of the operation display unit 400. A display unit 403 is a touch panel, and displays a screen including soft keys. The user operates the soft keys while viewing the screen to make settings necessary for executing functions such as copying.

  The operation key unit 401 includes operation keys including hard keys. Specifically, the operation key unit 401 includes a help key 405, a start key 407, a numeric key 409, a function switching key 411, and the like. A help key 405 is a key for displaying a help screen on the display unit 403. The help screen is a screen on which operation methods relating to functions such as a scanner, a facsimile, a printer, and a copy are displayed.

  A start key 407 is a key for starting operations such as copying and facsimile transmission. A numeric keypad 409 is a key for inputting numbers such as the number of copies and a facsimile number.

  The function switching key 411 includes a copy key 413, a transmission key 415, a box key 417, and the like, and is a key for switching between a copy function, a transmission function, a box function, and the like.

  When the copy key 413 is operated, an initial copy screen is displayed on the display unit 403. When the transmission key 415 is operated, an initial screen for facsimile transmission and mail transmission is displayed on the display unit 403.

  When the box key 417 is operated, the initial screen of the document box is displayed on the display unit 403. The document box function is a function for reading and printing data stored in the document box. The document box can be assigned to each user of the image forming apparatus 1 and stores image data, e-mail, file, and the like of the document read by the document reading unit 200. The image forming apparatus 1 includes an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 700 described later, and a part of the storage area of the HDD 700 is used as a document box.

  A workflow key 419 is a key for selecting a workflow mode. The workflow is configured by combining a plurality of works, and is executed using the image forming apparatus 1. As described above, for example, in the “create a magazine” workflow, a combination of works necessary for creating a magazine (double-sided copying, stapling, cover addition, etc.) is prepared. Thereby, the convenience of the user who wants to create a magazine using the image forming apparatus 1 is improved. The workflow is prepared in advance, and may be prepared by the manufacturer or the user.

  The workflow is a combination of settings (for example, duplex copy setting, aggregate copy setting and paper setting), and a combination of functions (document reading function of the document reading unit 200 and image data of the read document in an external personal computer memory). Any of a combination of setting and function).

  When the workflow key 419 is operated, a workflow mode screen is displayed on the display unit 403. The user can use the screen to execute a workflow, create a new workflow, change a workflow, delete a workflow, and the like.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 shown in FIG. The image forming apparatus 1 has a configuration in which an apparatus main body 100, a document reading unit 200, a document feeding unit 300, an operation display unit 400, a sheet post-processing unit 500, a control unit 600, an HDD 700, and a communication unit 800 are connected to each other via a bus. Have. Since the apparatus main body 100, the document reading unit 200, the document feeding unit 300, and the paper post-processing unit 500 have already been described, description thereof will be omitted.

  The control unit 600 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), an image memory, and the like. The CPU executes control necessary for operating the image forming apparatus 1 on the hardware constituting the image forming apparatus 1. The ROM stores software necessary for controlling the operation of the image forming apparatus 1. The RAM is used for temporary storage of data generated during execution of software, storage of application software, and the like. The image memory temporarily stores image data (image data output from the document reading unit 200, image data transmitted from a personal computer, image data received by facsimile, etc.).

  The control unit 600 includes an operation screen storage unit 601, a workflow storage unit 602, a display control unit 603, a reference value storage unit 605, a job reception unit 607, a remaining value determination unit 609, a comparison determination unit 611, a list screen generation unit 613, and a default process. Part 615.

  The operation screen storage unit 601 stores in advance data of each operation screen used for operation input to setting items received by each work constituting the workflow. These operation screens are displayed on the display unit 403 in a wizard format.

  The workflow storage unit 602 stores in advance a workflow configured by combining a plurality of works. If the operation screen storage unit 601 and the workflow storage unit 602 are a single storage unit, the storage unit stores a plurality of templates that are combinations of processing items (each work) for functions that can be executed by the image forming apparatus 1. . This template is, for example, a combination of processing items such as the number of copies applied to each function, paper size, magnification, density, aggregate printing, document image quality, and double-sided division for each function such as a copy operation.

  The template is a workflow for performing a process for guiding a user to each setting input that needs to be registered in order to execute a function such as a copying operation, or each processing item applied when executing a function such as a copying operation. Is used for a workflow for storing a setting content (setting value) and executing a function such as a copy operation with each setting content.

  The display control unit 603 uses the data of the plurality of operation screens stored in the operation screen storage unit 601 to control the operation unit screen to display the plurality of operation screens on the display unit 403 in a wizard format. .

  The reference value storage unit 605 stores in advance data of a reference value that gives priority to an operation input from the user when the workflow operation screen is displayed or execution of a job interrupted from the outside in the image forming apparatus 1. ing. The reference value will be described later.

  A job receiving unit 607 receives a job interrupted from the outside in the image forming apparatus 1. For example, a print job is received from a personal computer that is an external device.

  When the job receiving unit 607 accepts a job interrupted from the outside during the workflow operation input, the remaining value determination unit 609 inputs the operation to the setting item in a plurality of operation screens forming the workflow. The remaining value is determined based on the number of remaining operation screens that have not been marked. The determination of the remaining value will be described later.

  The comparison determination unit 611 compares the remaining value determined by the remaining value determination unit 609 with the reference value stored in the reference value storage unit 605. If the remaining value is smaller than the reference value, the determination of giving priority to the operation input of the workflow is performed. If the remaining value is larger than the reference value, the image forming apparatus 1 is determined to give priority to the execution of the job interrupted from the outside.

  When a job interrupted by the image forming apparatus 1 from the outside is received by the job reception unit 607 during the workflow operation input, the list screen generation unit 613 does not input an operation among a plurality of operation screens forming the workflow. Data for a list screen indicating a list of setting items to be input to the remaining operation screens is generated. When the comparison determination unit 611 determines to prioritize the execution of the job interrupted from the outside in the image forming apparatus 1, the display control unit 603 uses the list screen data generated by the list screen generation unit 613 to perform the remaining A list screen of setting items input on the operation screen is displayed on the display unit 403.

  The default processing unit 615 is provided on the remaining operation screens included in the list screen displayed on the display unit 403 when the comparison determination unit 611 determines to prioritize execution of a job interrupted from the outside in the image forming apparatus 1. Processing to set default values for the set items.

  The operation display unit 400 has functions of first and second instruction receiving units. The first instruction accepting unit accepts an instruction to execute a workflow in which the operation input by the user is halfway in a state where the setting items provided on the remaining operation screens are processed by default by the default processing unit 615. .

  The second instruction accepting unit accepts an instruction to change the default processed by the default processing unit 615 by the user.

  The HDD 700 is used for storing data such as image data output from the document reading unit 200, image data transmitted from a personal computer, and image data received by facsimile. As described above, a part of the storage area of the HDD 700 is used as a document box.

  The communication unit 800 includes a facsimile communication unit 801 and a network I / F unit 803. The facsimile communication unit 801 includes an NCU (Network Control Unit) that controls connection of a telephone line with a destination facsimile, and a modulation / demodulation circuit that modulates / demodulates a signal for facsimile communication. The facsimile communication unit 801 is connected to the telephone line 805.

  A network I / F unit 803 is connected to a LAN (Local Area Network) 807. A network I / F unit 803 is a communication interface circuit for executing communication with a terminal device such as a personal computer connected to the LAN 807.

  Next, an example of an operation necessary for executing a workflow using the image forming apparatus 1 will be described. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the transition of the operation screen displayed on the display unit 403 in this operation. The operation screen is a wizard. Control of display and switching of the operation screen is executed by the display control unit in FIG.

  The user enters the workflow mode by operating the workflow key 419 in FIG. An operation screen 11 is displayed on the display unit 403. The operation screen 11 includes the following soft keys. The workflow execution key 21a is a key for selecting a workflow execution mode. A new workflow creation key 21b is a key for selecting a new workflow creation mode. The workflow change key 21c is a key for selecting a workflow change mode. The workflow deletion key 21d is a key for selecting a workflow deletion mode. Next, the key 23 is a key for switching to the next operation screen. The end key 25 is a key for ending the workflow mode.

  When executing the operation of the image forming apparatus 1 based on the workflow, the user operates the key 23 after operating the workflow execution key 21a. As a result, the screen displayed on the display unit 403 is switched from the operation screen 11 to the operation screen 13.

  The operation screen 13 is a screen that allows the user to select a workflow from a plurality of workflows. In this embodiment, nine workflows are prepared in advance. Specifically, “Copy cleanly”, “Copy a lot”, “Copy with energy saving”, “Create presentation material”, “Create magazine”, “Create poster”, “Copy all”, “Kanasete” This is a workflow of “copy” and “divide and copy”.

  The operation screen 13 includes the following soft keys in addition to the key 23 and the end key 25. The previous key 27 is a key for switching to the previous operation screen. The clean copy key 29a is a key for selecting a mode for copying beautifully. The mass copy key 29b is a key for selecting a mode for copying a large amount. The energy saving copy key 29c is a key for selecting a mode for copying with energy saving. The presentation material creation key 29d is a key for selecting a mode for creating a presentation material. The magazine creation key 29e is a key for selecting a magazine creation mode. The poster creation key 29f is a key for selecting a poster creation mode. The collective copy 29g is a key for selecting a mode in which collective copying is performed. The copy key 29h is a key for selecting a copy mode. The division and copy key 29i is a key for selecting a division and copying mode.

  For example, a workflow of “copy all” will be described as an example. A combination of double-sided copy and aggregated copy is called “collective copy”. When the user wants to execute the “batch copy” workflow, the user collectively operates the copy key 29g. Then, when the user next operates the key 23, the screen displayed on the display unit 403 is switched from the operation screen 13 to the operation screen 15.

  The operation screen 15 is a screen for setting aggregation. The operation screen 15 includes the following soft keys in addition to the key 23, the end key 25 and the previous key 27. The non-setting key 31a is a key for selecting not to set aggregation. The 2in1 key 31b is a key for selecting a setting of 2in1 aggregation. The 4in1 key 31c is a key for selecting the 4in1 aggregation setting. Here, it is assumed that the 2 in 1 key 31b is operated. When the user operates the 2 in 1 key 31 b, the screen displayed on the display unit 403 is switched from the operation screen 15 to the operation screen 17.

  The operation screen 17 is a screen for setting double-sided copying. The operation screen 17 includes the following soft keys in addition to the key 23, the end key 25, and the previous key 27. The non-setting key 33a is a key for selecting not to set double-sided copying. The key 33b to be set is a key for selecting setting of double-sided copy. Here, it is assumed that the key 33b to be set is operated. Next, when the user operates the key 23, the screen displayed on the display unit 403 is switched from the operation screen 17 to the operation screen 19.

  The operation screen 19 is a screen in which the setting of “copy all” is completed, and the setting content is displayed. The operation screen 19 includes an end key 25 and a previous key 27. When the user operates the start key 407 shown in FIG. 2, “collective copy” using the image forming apparatus 1 is executed. The above is an explanation of an example of operations necessary for executing a workflow using the image forming apparatus 1.

  One feature of this embodiment is that if a job is interrupted from the outside during the operation input of the workflow, the operation input of the workflow is prioritized if it is determined that the operation input of the workflow ends relatively early. On the other hand, if it is determined that the operation input of the workflow ends relatively late, priority is given to the execution of the job interrupted from the outside. This will be described mainly with reference to FIG. 5, FIG. 6, and FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining priority determination processing between workflow operation input and execution of a job interrupted from the outside in the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 6 shows an example of an operation screen display process when a job is interrupted from the outside during the workflow operation input, and FIG. 7 shows another example of the display process.

  Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, it is assumed that the workflow has setting items such as size, number of copies, aggregation, duplex, document image quality, and staples. In this workflow operation input, the size is set first on the operation screen SC-1, the number of copies is set on the operation screen SC-2, and the aggregation setting is set on the operation screen SC-3. Then, the duplex setting is set fourth on the operation screen SC-4, the image quality of the original is set on the fifth operation screen SC-5, and the staple setting is set on the sixth operation screen SC-6. The symbol hyphen and the next number may be omitted. For example, if it is not necessary to distinguish each of the operation screens SC-1 to SC-6, the operation screen SC may be described.

  The user inputs a workflow operation to the setting item on the operation screen SC in order from the first operation screen SC-1 (step S1). It is determined whether or not there is a job interruption from the outside in the image forming apparatus 1 (step S3). When a job interrupted to the image forming apparatus 1 is accepted by the job accepting unit 607, it is determined that the image forming apparatus 1 has an external job interruption. When the job is not accepted, the image forming apparatus 1 It is determined that there is no job interruption from the outside.

  If there is no job interruption from the outside in the image forming apparatus 1 (No in step S3), the control unit 600 determines whether the operation input to the setting item is completed on the last operation screen SC-6 (step S5). . If the operation input has not been completed (No in step S5), the process returns to step S1. If the operation input has been completed (Yes in step S5), the user operates the start key 407 shown in FIG. 2 to execute the workflow (step S7).

  If it is determined in step S3 that there is a job interruption from the outside (Yes in step S3), the remaining value is determined by the remaining value determining unit 609 (step S9). The remaining value refers to a setting item in the six operation screens SC-1 to SC-6 when a job interrupted to the image forming apparatus 1 from the outside during workflow operation input is received by the job reception unit 607. This value is determined based on the number of remaining operation screens SC on which no operation input has been made. If the time required for operation input on one operation screen SC is, for example, 7 seconds, the remaining value is 2 if the number of remaining operation screens SC shown in FIG. 6 is 2 (operation screens SC-5 and SC-6). Is 14 seconds, and if the number of remaining operation screens SC shown in FIG. 7 is 3 (operation screens SC-4, SC-5, and SC-6), the remaining value is 21 seconds. The remaining value is the remaining operation amount that is assumed to be necessary for the user to finish the operation input of the workflow.

  Data of time required for operation input on one operation screen SC is stored in advance in a storage unit included in the control unit 600 shown in FIG. The remaining value determination unit 609 takes out the data of the time stored in the storage unit, receives the data of the number of remaining operation screens SC from the display control unit 603, and determines the remaining value therefrom.

  Next, the comparison / determination unit 611 determines whether the remaining value is smaller than the reference value (step S11). When a job is interrupted from the outside during the workflow operation input, the reference value is compared with the remaining value to prioritize the workflow operation input, or the image forming apparatus 1 is interrupted from the outside. It is determined whether to prioritize job execution.

  The reference value is a value that gives priority to the operation input of the workflow or the execution of the job interrupted from the outside to the image forming apparatus 1. When a job is interrupted from the outside to the image forming apparatus 1, a reference value is set for the time required for the operation input on the remaining operation screens SC in which the operation input to the setting item is not performed in the six operation screens SC. For example, it is determined in advance as 20 seconds.

  The reference value data is stored in the reference value storage unit 605 in advance. The comparison determination unit 611 takes out the reference value data stored in the reference value storage unit 605, receives the remaining value data from the remaining value determination unit 609, and compares them.

  The case where the remaining value is smaller than the reference value (Yes in step S11) will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 6, a job interrupt is generated from the outside during the operation input on the fourth operation screen SC-4. Since the number of remaining operation screens SC is 2 (operation screens SC-5 and SC-6), the remaining value is 14 seconds. Since the reference value is 20 seconds, the remaining value is smaller than the reference value. Therefore, the comparison determination unit 611 determines to enable operation input to the setting items provided on the remaining operation screens SC-5 and SC-6 and to prioritize the workflow operation input (step S13). Due to this determination, the job interrupted from the outside is not executed and enters a standby state. Then, the process returns to step S1.

  A case where the remaining value is not smaller than the reference value (No in step S11) will be described with reference to FIG. The case where the remaining value is not smaller than the reference value is a case where the remaining value is greater than or equal to the reference value. The handling when the remaining value is equal to the reference value is the same as that when the remaining value is larger than the reference value in this embodiment, but the same processing as when the remaining value is smaller than the reference value may be used.

  In FIG. 7, a job interrupt is generated from the outside during an operation input on the third operation screen SC-3. Since the number of remaining operation screens is 3, the remaining value is 21 seconds. Since the reference value is 20 seconds, the remaining value is larger than the reference value. Accordingly, the comparison determination unit 611 determines that execution of a job interrupted from outside is prioritized (step S15). When this determination is made, the display control unit 603, based on the data for the list screen generated by the list screen generation unit 607 after the operation input on the third operation screen SC-3 is completed, is shown in FIG. A list screen 41 is displayed on the display unit 403 (step S17). The default processing unit 615 performs default processing for setting items for which workflow operation input has not been performed.

  Here, the list screens 41 and 53 shown in FIG. 8 will be described. The list screen 41 is a screen showing a list of setting items provided in the remaining operation screen SC where no operation input is made. On the other hand, the list screen 53 is a screen showing a list of setting items provided on the operation screen SC on which an operation input has been made.

  The list screen 41 has a setting item display area 43. The setting item display area 43 includes character images of setting items for which no operation input has been made. Here, character images of “double-sided”, “image quality of original”, and “staple” are included. The default processing unit 615 performs default processing for each setting item.

  The list screen 41 includes the following soft keys. Change keys, here, change keys 45a, 45b, and 45c are provided corresponding to the setting items. If the user wants to change the default, the user can change the input to the setting item from the default to the setting desired by the user by operating the change key after the execution of the job interrupted from the outside is completed. The start key 47 is a key for instructing execution of the workflow. The start key 47 will be described in step S19.

  A cancel key 49 is a key for canceling a workflow operation input. The user operates the key when stopping the operation input of the workflow or restarting from the beginning. The previous key 51 is a key for switching to the previous list screen.

  If the previous key 51 is operated, the list screen 41 is switched to the list screen 53. The list screen 53 has a setting item display area 55. The setting item display area 55 includes a character image of the setting item for which an operation input has been made. Here, character images of “size”, “number of copies”, and “aggregation” are included. Each setting item has already been operated by the user. Similar to the list screen 41, the list screen 53 includes change keys 45 a, 45 b, 45 c, a start key 47 and a cancel key 49. The list screen 53 is then operated as a soft key. Next, when the key 57 is operated, the list screen 41 is displayed. The above is the description of the list screens 41 and 53.

  Step S19 will be described. Even if priority is given to execution of a job interrupted from the outside in the image forming apparatus 1, if the start key 47 included in the list screens 41 and 53 is operated (Yes in step S19), the comparison determination unit 611 operates the workflow. It is determined that the operation that has been set by input has priority over the execution of a job interrupted from the outside in the image forming apparatus 1. Thereby, the workflow can be executed (step S7). The operation of the start key 47 corresponds to a case where an instruction to execute a workflow by the user is received by the first instruction receiving unit.

  In this case, the setting items that are in the middle of the workflow operation input but are not input by the operation are defaulted by the default processing unit 615. Therefore, even if the workflow operation input by the user is not completed, the workflow Can be executed. As described above, the start key 47 included in the list screens 41 and 53 corresponds to the first instruction receiving unit. The first instruction accepting unit gives an instruction to execute the workflow in which the user has input the operation of the workflow halfway while the default processing unit 615 has processed the setting items provided on the remaining operation screen SC as default. Accept.

  If the user wants to change the default setting items, the user does not operate the start key 47 (No in step S19), and waits for the execution of the job interrupted from the outside to end. If the execution of the job interrupted from the outside is not completed (No in step S21), the process returns to step S17.

  When the job interrupted from the outside is completed (Yes in step S21), the user selects a corresponding change key (change key 45a included in the list screen 41 shown in FIG. 8) for an operation item whose default is changed to a desired setting. 45b and 45c, and these keys correspond to the second instruction receiving unit). Thus, when an instruction to be changed by the user is received by the second instruction receiving unit, the display control unit 603 displays an operation screen (not shown) used for the user's operation input to the default-processed setting item. Control to display on the display unit 403 is performed. Using the operation screen, the user changes the default to a desired setting (step S23). Then, when the user operates the start key 47 (Yes in step S19), the workflow is executed (step S7).

  Although overlapping with the flowchart shown in FIG. 5, a processing sequence for displaying the list screen 41 shown in FIG. 7 will be described. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing this sequence.

  The external interrupt control application 61 is an application that controls the job reception unit 607. The touch panel control application 63 is an application that controls the display control unit 603, the remaining value determination unit 609, the comparison determination unit 611, and the list screen generation unit 613. The data control application 65 is an application that controls the reference value storage unit 605. The touch panel display application 67 is an application that displays a touch panel that is the display unit 403.

  When a job interrupted to the image forming apparatus 1 is received by the job receiving unit 607, the external interrupt control application 61 sends an interrupt notification to the touch panel control application 63 (step S31).

  The touch panel control application 63 confirms the number of remaining operation screens SC in which no operation input to the setting item is made among the plurality of operation screens SC (step S33). Here, the number of remaining operation screens SC is three (operation screens SC-4, SC-5, and SC-6). And the data of the reference value memorize | stored in the reference value memory | storage part 605 are acquired using the data control application 65 (step S35). The reference value here is 20 seconds.

  The touch panel control application 63 determines the remaining value based on the number of remaining operation screens SC (step S37). Here, 3 × 7 = 21 seconds. 3 is the number of remaining operation screens SC. 7 is the time required for operation input on one operation screen SC.

  The touch panel control application 63 compares the remaining value (21 seconds) with the reference value (20 seconds), and determines to prioritize the execution of the job interrupted from the outside (step S39). The touch panel control application 63 uses the touch panel display application 67 to display the list screen 41 indicating the setting items provided on the remaining operation screen SC on the display unit 403 (step S41).

  The main effects of this embodiment will be described.

  (1) As described in step S3, step 9, step S11, step S13, and step S15, according to the present embodiment, when a job is interrupted from the outside in the image forming apparatus 1 during operation input of a workflow, Of the six operation screens SC, the remaining value is determined based on the number of remaining operation screens SC in which no operation input has been made to the setting item. If the remaining value is smaller than the reference value, the workflow operation input is given priority, assuming that the workflow operation input ends relatively quickly. On the other hand, if the remaining value is larger than the reference value, it is assumed that the operation input of the workflow ends relatively late, and priority is given to the execution of the job interrupted from the outside. In this way, by changing the priority of workflow operation input and execution of a job interrupted from the outside according to the remaining value, when a job interrupt is requested from outside during workflow operation input, they are changed. It can be processed efficiently.

  In addition, when priority is given to workflow operation input, even if a job is interrupted from outside during workflow operation input, a notification window notifying that the job has been interrupted is not displayed on the display unit 403. Workflow operation input can be continued smoothly.

  (2) As described in step S15 and step S17, when it is determined that priority is given to the execution of a job interrupted from the outside, the settings provided on the remaining operation screen SC where the operation input of the workflow is not performed. A list screen 41 including a list of items is displayed on the display unit 403. Thereby, in the operation input of the workflow, it is possible to make the user recognize the setting items provided on the remaining operation screen SC where the operation input is not performed.

  (3) As described in step S17, when it is determined that priority is given to the execution of a job interrupted from the outside, the setting items provided on the remaining operation screen SC where the workflow operation input is not performed are as follows. Processing to make it default. Thereby, even if the operation input of the workflow by the user is halfway and has not yet been completed, the workflow can be executed.

  (4) As described in step S19, even when execution of a job from the outside is prioritized, the workflow can be prioritized by operating the start key 47 (first instruction receiving unit) shown in FIG. it can. Therefore, if the user determines that the setting items provided on the remaining operation screen SC are satisfactory even by default, the time required for operation input on the remaining operation screen SC can be omitted by operating the start key 47. Can prioritize the execution of the workflow. Therefore, it is possible to give priority to the execution of the workflow without causing the interrupted job to stay.

  (5) As described in step S23, the user selects the corresponding change keys (change keys 45a, 45b, and 45c shown in FIG. The default can be changed to a desired setting. Therefore, when execution of a job interrupted from outside is prioritized, it is possible to eliminate the need to redo the workflow operation input from the beginning.

  In this embodiment, time is used as the remaining value, but the number of remaining operation screens SC may be used as the remaining value. For example, if the reference value is determined to be 2 in advance and the number of remaining operation screens is 3, execution of a job interrupted from outside is prioritized, and if the number of remaining operation screens is 1, the workflow Prioritize operation input. When the reference value is equal to the remaining value, it is necessary to determine in advance which one is to be prioritized.

1 Image Processing Device 41, 53 List Screen 43, 55 Setting Item Display Area 403 Display Unit

Claims (6)

A workflow storage unit in which a workflow configured by combining a plurality of workpieces is stored in advance;
A display unit;
An operation screen storage unit that stores in advance the data of each operation screen, which is used for operation input to setting items received by each work constituting the workflow;
A display control unit configured to control the display of the plurality of operation screens in order in a wizard format using the data of the plurality of operation screens stored in the operation screen storage unit; ,
Reference value storage for preliminarily storing reference value data for giving priority to an operation input from a user when the operation screen of the workflow is displayed or execution of a job interrupted from the outside to the image forming apparatus And
A job accepting unit for accepting a job interrupted from outside in the image forming apparatus;
When a job interrupted from the outside during the operation input of the workflow is received by the job reception unit, the operation input to the setting item is not performed in the plurality of operation screens forming the workflow A remaining value determining unit that determines a remaining value based on the number of remaining operation screens;
The remaining value determined by the remaining value determining unit is compared with a reference value stored in the reference value storage unit, and if the remaining value is smaller than the reference value, it is determined to prioritize the operation input of the workflow, An operation device comprising: a comparison / determination unit that determines to prioritize execution of a job interrupted from outside in the image forming apparatus if the remaining value is greater than the reference value. When a job interrupted from the outside during the operation input of the workflow is received by the job receiving unit, the remaining operation screens that are not input from the plurality of operation screens forming the workflow A list screen generation unit that generates data for a list screen indicating a list of setting items input to
When the comparison determination unit determines to prioritize the execution of a job interrupted from the outside to the image forming apparatus, the display control unit uses the list screen data generated by the list screen generation unit, The operation device according to claim 1, wherein control is performed to display a list screen of setting items input on the remaining operation screens on the display unit.   Setting items provided on the remaining operation screens included in the list screen displayed on the display unit when the comparison determination unit determines to prioritize execution of a job interrupted from the outside in the image forming apparatus The operating device according to claim 2, further comprising a default processing unit that performs processing for setting a default value. A first instruction reception for receiving an instruction to execute a workflow in which a user has input the operation of the workflow halfway in a state in which the default processing unit has defaulted the setting items provided on the remaining operation screen. Further comprising
When the first instruction receiving unit receives an instruction to execute the workflow by the user, the comparison / determination unit interrupts the operation that has been set by the operation input of the workflow from the outside to the image forming apparatus. The operation device according to claim 3, wherein the operation device determines to give priority over job execution. A second instruction receiving unit that receives an instruction to change the default processed by the default processing unit by a user;
When an instruction to change by the user is received by the second instruction receiving unit, the display control unit controls the display unit to display an operation screen used for an operation input by the user to the default-set setting item. The operating device according to claim 3 or 4. The operating device according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
An image forming apparatus comprising: an image forming unit configured to perform an image forming operation on a sheet based on a setting value of a setting item set by the operation device.

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